Paving machine and method for forming a concrete path

ABSTRACT

A paving machine arranged to spread and level concrete along a path. The paving machine has a frame assembly, and at least one concrete pressing device carried by the frame assembly. The processing device includes at least two mutually screed elements spanning the width of the frame assembly and are mutually adjustable in height relative to the frame assembly. The paving machine further includes a control device that positions the at least two screed elements relative to the frame assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/161,741 filed on Jun. 5, 2002.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This invention relates to a paving machine, more particularly amachine for spreading and leveling concrete, as well as to a method forforming a concrete path.

[0003] As known, such paving machines are used for forming a variety ofconcrete pavings, in the first place for forming concrete roadways, but,furthermore, also for forming large concrete floors and such.

[0004] It is known that such paving machines mostly consist of a movableframe at which one or more processing devices for processing theconcrete are fixed or can be fixed. Mostly, use is made of severalprocessing devices providing for different processes, such as spreadingthe concrete, which has been poured in front of the device, in width,vibrating the concrete, drawing the concrete into a shape, providingdowels in the concrete, smoothing the concrete by means of a smoothingbeam and finishing by means of a smoothing board moving to and fro.

[0005] It is also known that such paving machines, including theprocessing devices, can be made extensible in order to be able to adjustthe working width. An example thereof is known from the internationalpatent application WO 95/28525. In such case, the frame as well as theprocessing devices are telescopically extensible, whereby the processingdevices then consist of several parts which telescope either in eachother or along each other or at a distance behind each other.

[0006] Such paving machines, the processing devices of which consist ofseveral parts which together must span the working width, and especiallypaving machines with parts which, as aforementioned, are extensible inrespect to each other, show the disadvantage that the mutual position ofthe parts of one and the same processing device may change duringpaving, as a result of sagging under the weight of the paving machineand/or as a result of the pushing in upward direction, when, centrallybelow the paving machine, a surplus of concrete is poured. This has aconsequence that the surface of the formed concrete path deviates fromthe desired shape. It has already been proposed to remedy this by usingmanually turnable screw jacks with which the mutual position of theaforementioned parts can be adjusted. This solution, however, has thedisadvantage that it is less efficient, as in practice an adjustmentexclusively will be carried out when major, visually discernibledeviations occur.

[0007] Further, it is also known that paving machines can be equippedwith oscillating finishing beams for assisting in smoothing the concreteof the path surface. An example thereof is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,941,659, in which two finishing beams, situated at a distance fromeach other according to the direction of movement, are applied, i.e.,one finishing beam performing a substantially vertical oscillation, anda finishing beam performing a substantially horizontal oscillation. Thevertical oscillation has as a purpose, so to speak, to tamper the gravelin the concrete into the surface, whereas the horizontal oscillationadditionally smooths the concrete at the surface. In that hereby use ismade of two oscillating finishing beams cooperating with one and thesame path surface, such embodiment, however, shows the disadvantage thatthe average positions which are taken by these finishing beams inrespect to the formed path surface, have to be precisely coordinated inmutual respect, and that, with certain deviations, malfunctions in thefaultless working may occur. Another disadvantage consists in that twoseparately driven systems, one behind the other, is necessary, as aresult of which the total length of the paving machine, seen accordingto the paving direction, is influenced in a disadvantageous manner.

[0008] The present invention aims at a paving machine, whereby variousimprovements are intended which contribute to a better quality of theobtained concrete path and/or which allow for performing a moreefficient control of the quality of the realized concrete path.

SUMMARY

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a paving machine isaimed at, with one or more processing devices consisting of two or moreparts which together span the working width, whereby a solution isoffered for efficiently excluding or minimizing deviations in thesurface of the concrete path which arises as a consequence of undesiredalterations in the mutual position of such parts. More particularly,according to this first aspect, it is aimed at excluding or at leastminimizing undesired deviations as a result of the sagging of the pavingmachine and/or the pushing-up of parts thereof.

[0010] According to this first aspect, the invention thus relates to apaving machine, comprising a movable frame with at least one processingdevice for processing the concrete which extends according to theworking width and which consists of at least two parts, or otherwisecalled screed elements, which possibly are movable in respect to eachother, in order to adjust the span of the processing device, with as acharacteristic that the paving machine comprises means or otherwisecalled a control device, which, on one hand, directly or indirectly,control the mutual position of said parts, such in respect to thesurface to be formed, as well as, on the other hand, allow for adjustingthe mutual position in function of said control.

[0011] By providing the paving machine with means which, on one hand,allow for such control and, on the other hand, allow for an adjustment,a very precise follow-up of the mutual position of said parts ispossible, and it is possible to rapidly take measures in order to remedyany undesired alteration in the position by means of a correspondingadjustment.

[0012] Preferably, said means consist of detection means, or otherwisecalled a detection device, performing observations in respect to saidmutual position, as well as controllable adjustment means, or otherwisecalled an adjustment device, for commanding said parts in such a mannerthat a desired adjustment is realized. More particularly, it ispreferred that the controllable adjustment means are coupled to thedetection means, such that an adjustment is performed in function of adesired adjustment of the mutual position. Thereby, an automaticfeedback is provided for, and the operator of the paving machine himselfno longer has to perform any adjustments.

[0013] Although the invention allows to counteract a variety ofdeviations between the positions of the respective parts of a processingdevice, it is clear that said means, in the first place, are intended tocontrol the sagging, pushing-up, respectively, of the processing device.

[0014] In a practical form of embodiment, the frame of the pavingmachine, as usual, comprises two side parts carried by movable supportelements, and according to the present invention, said means areconfigured such that they provide for a control in respect to areference line, reference plane, respectively, which connects the twoside parts. In practice, paving machines in fact are kept at awell-defined height at these side parts, for example, by means ofsensors which command the height of the side parts in function of presetlevel lines. In the proximity of the side parts, the obtained concretepath thus always is at the right height, and lines or planes connectingthe two side parts therefore ideally may serve as a reference line orplane for performing said control.

[0015] In the case that use is made of such reference line or suchreference plane, said parts, at their outwardly directed extremities,are connected to the side parts preferably at a well-defined height,whereas with their inwardly directed extremities, they can b adjusted inheight by means of said controllable adjustment means. When the pavingmachine is realized in a classical manner, with a central basic frameand with side parts provided on frame parts which are extensible inrespect to the basic frame, it is preferred that the controllableadjustment means are situated between the basic frame and said two partsof the processing device. As a result thereof, said parts can be easilydrawn upward, pushed downward, respectively, in the middle of the span.

[0016] According to an important preferred form of embodiment, saidmeans comprise detection means which are formed by, on one hand, atleast one cable stretched over the width of the paving machine and, onthe other hand, one or more sensors cooperating with said cable and saidparts of the processing device, which deliver signals in function of thedifference in height between said cable and said parts. By a cable,hereby any form of a stretchable flexible element has to be understood,thus, also a rope, ribbon or such. Such cable has the advantage that itforms a stable reference line which can hardly be disturbed, on thebasis of which line said detection can be performed.

[0017] In the case that the paving machine comprises one or moreprocessing devices with two or more parts which are movable in respectto each other, in order to adjust the span of the processing device,processing devices, respectively, said means preferably will compriseseparately controllable adjustment means per processing device and/orper part of such processing device. In this manner, the position of eachprocessing device, and still more particularly each part thereof, can beadjusted separately, as a result of which any form of deviation can beexcluded.

[0018] However, this does not exclude that according to a variant, acommon detection, for example, in a central point, can be provided for,and possible also an adjustment by means of adjustment means which arecommon for several processing devices and/or parts thereof.

[0019] In the case that several separately controllable adjustment meansfor different processing devices or parts thereof are used, the pavingmachine preferably comprises several cable lengths stretched over thewidth of the paving machine, substantially at the height of therespective parts to be controlled of the processing device, processingdevices, respectively, which cooperate with respective sensors. In thismanner, at different locations an efficient control can be provided.

[0020] Hereby, it is particularly useful that the respective cablelengths then form part of a single continuous cable which is stretchedseveral times over the width of the paving machine, with the advantagethat only one set of means for tensioning the cable is necessary, whichmeans, for example, consists of at least one winding system for windingthe cable at least at one end, and/or of at least one elastic tensioningmeans or otherwise called an elastic tensioning device, such as atension spring.

[0021] The aforementioned device proves its usefulness especially incombination with the form elements and smoothing beams usually appliedwith paving machines. These, in fact, are heavyweight items, therespective parts of which easily become displaced in respect to eachother, especially if they are telescopic.

[0022] Said controllable adjustment means may be of different kind,however, for practical reasons, it is preferred that pressure cylindersare applied to this end. It is clear that said means can be provided atnew paving machines as well as at already existing paving machines, orthat new paving machines can be equipped with elements which allow theattachment of such means. Of course, the invention thus relates to allthese cases. Taking this into account, the invention thus also relatesto a paving machine comprising a movable frame with at least oneprocessing device for processing the concrete, which latter deviceextends according to the working width and which consists of alt eat twoparts which are movable in mutual respect in order to adjust the span ofthe processing device, with the characteristic that the paving machinecomprises controllable adjustment means which the mutual position ofsaid parts, such in respect to the surface to be formed, can beadjusted.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention, which may or maynot be combined with the first aspect, an improved embodiment of apaving machine is intended which is provided with one or moreoscillating finishing beams, whereby said disadvantages of the knownembodiments are excluded or at least are minimized.

[0024] To this aim, the invention, according to this second aspect,relates to a paving machine for forming a concrete path, whereby thispaving machine comprises at least one oscillating finishing beam, withthe characteristic that it comprises a drive device which allow thefinishing beam to perform an upward and a sideward oscillation at thesame time. It is clear that thereby at least several of saiddisadvantages of using two separate finishing beams, oscillating upwardand sideward, respectively, are excluded.

[0025] It also became clear that by the combination of an upwardoscillation and sideward oscillation at one and the same finishing beam,anyhow a better smoothing effect is obtained.

[0026] Preferably, the drive device for the oscillating finishing beamconsist of at least two excenter mechanisms providing for the respectiveoscillations.

[0027] In the most preferred form of embodiment, the paving machine,according to its direction of movement during paving, will compriseexclusively one oscillating finishing beam, with the exception ofpossible overlapping portions when several finishing beams, whethertelescopically adjustable or not, are active over the working width.

[0028] Preferably, the finishing beam is mounted at a smoothing beam,more particularly attached in front of such smoothing beam.

[0029] According to a particular form of embodiment, the finishing beamforms part of a paving machine which is adjustable, more particularlyextensible, in the direction of the working width, and does this beamconsist of several mutually displaceable parts, whether situated at adistance form each other or not, and thus each part equipped with itsown driving means for delivering the upward and sideward oscillations.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the invention, a paving machine isaimed at whereby at all times an efficient control of the concrete ofthe formed concrete path and/or of the shape of the concrete path can beperformed. Up to the present, basically a control only can be performedby afterwards measuring the realized concrete path and/or taking samplesby means of drilling. Such samples can only be taken after a sufficienthardening of the concrete in order to perform measurements thereon, as aresult of which one mostly has to wait approximately two months beforesuch samples can be taken and tested. According to the third aspect ofthe invention, an efficient control can be realized in a completelydifferent manner.

[0031] Thus, according to the aforementioned third aspect, the inventionrelates to a paving machine for forming a concrete path, with as acharacteristic that it is provided with a registration device which atleast register parameter data relating to the formed concrete path. Bymeans of the registration device, thus, controllable parameters areobtained, from which the quality and other characteristics of the formedconcrete path can be derived.

[0032] Preferably, it comprises a registration device registering atleast one or more of the following parameters:

[0033] the width adjustment of the paving machine, more particularly ofthe working width;

[0034] the forward speed of the paving machine or of a valuerepresentative therefor;

[0035] the covered distance;

[0036] the oscillation speed of vibrating means, such as vibratingneedles, for vibrating the concrete;

[0037] the thickness of the concrete path, possible derived from otherparameters;

[0038] when a concrete path is poured having a roof-shaped profile, theinclination of the roof-shaped profile;

[0039] the consumed quantity of concrete.

[0040] In the most preferred form of embodiment, at least two parametersare registered, on one hand, a parameter directly or indirectly relatedto the speed of the paving machine during paving, and, on the otherhand, a parameter directly or indirectly related to the speed of thepaving machine during paving, and, on the other hand, a parameterdirectly or indirectly related to the drive of the vibrating means forvibrating the concrete. The connection between these two parameters infact forms a strong indication for the quality of the concrete.Possibly, this connection also may be formulated in a value, which valuethen has to be within well-defined limits. It is well-known that, inorder to still enable a further paving of the path when the concrete istoo wet or too dry, one may locally vibrate the concrete to a major orminor degree, as a result of which it is actually possible to continueworking, but this mostly results in a diminishing quality of theconcrete. By now following, by means of the registration device, theratio between the parameters of vibrating and the parameters of thespeed of forward movement, it will be automatically known whether theconcrete will fulfill the quality requirements or not.

[0041] By means of said registration device, it is also possible to knowwhere the most critical concrete parts are situated, where then possiblyadditional controls, by means of taking concrete samples, can beperformed.

[0042] By means of the registration device, it can also be followed upwhether a sufficient quantity of concrete per length unit has beenapplied and/or whether the realized concrete path thus also has asufficient thickness.

[0043] The registered parameter data can be registered in differentmanners, preferably in function of time and/or in function of thecovered distance. For instance, the registration may take place byrepresenting the parameter data on a strip of paper, whether in theshape of curves or not, and/or by electronically storing these parameterdata, after which they can be visualized on a monitor and/or can beprinted.

[0044] According to another variant, these parameter data automaticallywill be transmitted to a central unit or a control authority, possiblystill during the operation of the concrete paving machine, for example,by means of a wireless connection, for example, a telephone connection,more particularly by means of a cellular phone system or such.

[0045] According to a fourth aspect, the invention also relates to apaving machine for forming a concrete path, with as a characteristicthat it is provided with a computer system with a monitor upon which oneor more of the following parameter data can be visualized:

[0046] the width adjustment of the paving machine;

[0047] when a concrete path is produced having a roof-shaped profile, inother words, with a surface sloping from the middle towards both lateraledges, data related to the shape of the predetermined roof-shapedprofile;

[0048] the forward speed of the paving machine;

[0049] the covered distance;

[0050] the oscillation speed of applied vibration means for vibratingthe concrete;

[0051] the thickness of the concrete path, possibly calculated fromother data, whether put-in or not;

[0052] when the paving machine is provided with a dowel apparatus, theadjustment of the distance where dowels and/or joints are provided;

[0053] the visualization of alarm functions;

[0054] an indication as the dowel apparatus approaches the end of itstravel course.

[0055] By means of this computer system, the operator, in a centralizedmanner, has different data available, as a result of which an efficientvalidation of the operation of the paving machine and/or of the obtainedresult is possible.

[0056] It is clear that at random a combination can be made of the firstand/or the second and/or the third and/or the fourth aspects of theinvention.

[0057] Further, the invention, as mentioned in the foregoing, alsorelates to a method for forming a concrete path, with as acharacteristic that for forming it, a paving machine is used showing oneor more of the characteristics described heretofore, whereby duringforming the concrete path, a regulation of the mutual position of saidparts of at least one processing device is provided for, and/or atreatment of the concrete surface is performed by means of a finishingbeam which simultaneously performs an oscillating movement in upward andsideward directions, and/or a registration, as aforementioned, takesplace, and/or a visualization of data by means of a computer systemtakes place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] With the intention of better showing the characteristics of theinvention, hereafter, as an example without any imitative character,several preferred forms of embodiment are described, with reference tothe accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0059]FIG. 1 in plan view schematically represents a paving machineaccording to the invention which applies the first aspect of theinvention;

[0060]FIG. 2 represents a view according to arrow F2 in FIG. 1;

[0061]FIG. 3 schematically represents an embodiment of a concrete path;

[0062]FIG. 4 represents a cross-section according to line IV-IV in FIG.1, whereby an oscillating finishing beam is represented which isrealized in accordance with the second aspect of the invention;

[0063]FIG. 5, at a smaller scale, represents a cross-section accordingto line V-V in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] As represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention relates to apaving machine 1. In the represented example, this machine substantiallyconsists of a movable frame with, on one hand, a basic frame 2, on whicha not-represented driver's cabin can be provided, and, on the otherhand, side parts 34 which can be laterally displaced by means of frameparts 5 which are extensible in respect to the basic frame 2, wherebythese side parts 34 are carried by support elements 6-7-8-9, which reston the ground in a movable manner and which can be moved on, forexample, by means of driven crawler wheels 10.

[0065] The support elements 6-7-8-9 comprise height adjustment means,such as vertical adjustment cylinders which allow to maintain the sideparts 34 during moving at a permanent height, such by means of sensors11 provided to monitor the concrete path 13 to be formed.

[0066] At the side parts 34 and below the basic frame 6, differentprocessing devices 14 for the concrete 15 are attached, whereof, by wayof example, only two are schematically represented, 16,17, respectively.The processing device 16 functions as a form piece at which vibratingneedles 18 or similar are attached. The processing device 17substantially consists of a smoothing beam 19 and, for example, alsocomprises an oscillating finishing beam 20, as represented in FIG. 4.

[0067] The processing devices 16 and 17 each consist of two mutuallyopposed parts or otherwise called screed elements, 21-22 and 23-24,respectively, which can be shifted along each other and can be adjustedin function of the working width. Next to the outwardly situatedextremities, the parts 21 and 23 are fixedly or hingeably connected tothe side part 3, whereas, at their inwardly directed extremities, theyare suspended at the basic frame 2, as will be described in thefollowing. In the proximity of the outwardly situated extremities, theparts 23 and 24 are fixedly or hingeably connected to the side part 4,whereas, with their inwardly directed extremities, they also aresuspended at the basic frame 2.

[0068] In that the whole unit, on one hand, is extensible and therefore,there are plays present in the connections, and, on the other hand, suchpaving machine 1 mostly is applied for large working widths, it isobvious that the whole easily may sag or also may be pushed upward whencentrally too large a mass of concrete is situated below the pavingmachine 1.

[0069] The invention offers a solution to this in that the pavingmachine 1 is provided with a control device or means which, on one hand,directly or indirectly controls the mutual position of the parts, on onehand, 21 and 22, and/or, on the other hand, 23 and 24, in respect to theconcrete path's 13 surface to be formed, as well as, on the other hand,allow to adjust the mutual position in function of the thus obtainedcontrol.

[0070] The aforementioned means are formed by a detection device 25performing observations in respect to said mutual position, as well asby a controllable adjustment device 26 for commanding the parts 21-22and/or 23-24 in such a manner that a desired adjustment is realized.

[0071] In the represented example, the detection device 25 includessensors 27 provided at the parts 21-22-23-24, in the proximity of theinwardly directed extremities thereof, which sensors 27 cooperate withcable elements of a cable system stretched between the side parts 34,which cable element in this case are formed of a single continuous cable28, whereby cable elements of the cable system function as referencelines. These sensors 27 are realized such that they deliver signals infunction of the height position which the inwardly directed extremitiesof the parts 21-22-23-24 take in respect to the cable length extendingalongside thereof.

[0072] These sensors 27 can be of different kind, however, preferablysensors of the same type as the sensors 12 will be applied. Hereby, theymay be sensors which exclusively detect whether there is a deviation inone or other direction, as well as sensors which do not only deliversignals in function of the direction of the deviation, but also infunction of the amplitude thereof.

[0073] The cable 28 is stretched, by means of guiding rolls 29, to andfro between the side parts 3 and 4. The tensioning is performed by atensioning device which, in this case, including a winding system 30 forwinding the cable 28 at one end, and of a tensioning spring 31 withwhich the other end is attached to a fixed point, in this case to theside part 3.

[0074] In the represented example, the controllable adjustment device 26is situated between the basic frame 2 and the inwardly directedextremities of the parts 21-22-23-24 and includes pressure cylinders 32,in this case respectively a separate pressure cylinder 32 per part21-22-23-24.

[0075] The controllable adjustment device 26 is coupled to the detectiondevice 25, such that there is an automatic control. The coupling isperformed by means of one or more appropriate control units 33. Suchcontrol unit may consist, in its most simple form, of a hydraulic valvewhich is controlled in three positions, to wit a closed position, aposition whereby pressure is applied to the pertaining pressurecylinder, and a position whereby pressure is reduced.

[0076] The functioning of the paving machine 1, more particularly ofsaid control, can easily be deduced from the foregoing and from thedrawings.

[0077] When manufacturing a flat concrete path 13, the detection device25 is adjusted such, or such control by means of the control units 33 isprovided for that the parts 21 and 22 remain parallel with theirundersides, as well as the parts 23 and 24 remain parallel in respect toeach other. With a deviation which indicates a sagging, the pressurecylinders are commanded such that the respective parts 21 and/or 22and/or 23 and/or 24 are drawn upward at their inwardly directedextremity. With a pushing up, on the other hand, a downwardly directedpressure force will be realized, such that more weight of the pavingmachine 1 rests on the inwardly directed extremities.

[0078] It is obvious that by means of the invention, it is not onlypossible to achieve that the parts 21-22 and 23-24 mutually are situatedin the same plane, but that also different adjustments can be realized,for example, for realizing, as schematically represented in FIG. 3, aconcrete path 13 having a roof-shaped profile, with a well-definedslope. In this way, it is also possible to create a concrete path 13which slopes exclusively in one direction.

[0079] Although the example solely represents an embodiment whereby onlytwo parts 21-22, as well as 23-24, are present over the working width,it is obvious that it also can be applied with paving machines withseveral such parts adjacent to each other. Also, the invention can notonly be applied with extensible paving machines, but also with a varietyof other paving machines comprising parts which, under the influence ofdifferent factors, may take undesired deviating positions in respect toeach other.

[0080] The controllable adjustment device 26 may be common for two partspertaining to one another, for example, 21 and 22, or also 23 and 24,for example, when these are coupled to each other at their inwardlydirected extremities.

[0081] Further, each control operation does not have to take placedirectly by means of a pertaining sensor 27. So, for example, may thesensor 27 of the part 21 provide for the control of the pertainingpressure cylinder, whereas the control of the pressure cylinderpertaining to part 22 also is performed by means of the sensor 27 placedupon part 21 or by a separate height adjustment, whereby the height ofthe free extremity of part 22 automatically is adjusted to the height ofthe free extremity of the part 21.

[0082] It is obvious that in the case of an extensible paving machine 1,of course steps must be taken in order to achieve that the inwardlydirected extremities of the parts 21-22-23-24, for example, are movablecoupled to the controllable adjustment device 26, for example, in amanner such as schematically indicated in FIG. 4, whereby the piston rod34 of the respective pressure cylinder, by means of a slide 35, isseated, in a movable manner, in a guiding element 36 provided on thepart situated therebelow.

[0083] In FIGS. 4 and 5, the second aspect of the invention isillustrated, to wit the fact that the paving machine 1 is provided withan oscillating finishing beam 20 which can perform an upward and asideward oscillation at the same time. To this aim, it is driven bymeans of two excenter mechanisms 37 and 38 which respectively providefor the movements for the upward and sideward oscillations.

[0084] The excenter mechanism 37 is driven by a motor 39 and consists ofan excenter 40 provided on the shaft of this motor 39, which excenter,by means of a rod 41, is hingeably connected to lever 42 which isfixedly attached to a shaft 43, such that the shaft 43, during therotation of the excenter 40, is turned to and fro in an oscillatingmanner. To this shaft 43, two arms 44 are fixedly attached, at which thefinishing beam 20 is suspended by means of coupling parts 45.

[0085] The excenter mechanism 38 is driven by a motor 46 and consists ofan excenter 47 provided on the shaft of this motor 46, which excenter,by means of a rod 48; is hingeably connected to the finishing beam 20,by means of a coupling flange 49 provided thereupon in a fixed manner.

[0086] The shaft is fixedly positioned in support points 44.

[0087] The functioning of the finishing beam 20, more particularly theoscillating drive thereof, can easily be derived from FIGS. 4 and 5. Bymeans of the motor 39 and by the excenter 40, the shaft 43 is driven ina to-and-fro oscillating manner. This results in an up-and-down-goingmovement of the coupling parts 45 and, thus, of the finishing beam 20.At the same time, this finishing beam 20 is moved to and fro by means ofthe motor 46, the excenter 47 and the crankshaft 48, such that acombined movement is created.

[0088] It is obvious that different oscillation speeds can be applied,whereby these possibly may be adjustable. Also, different oscillationspeeds and/or oscillation amplitudes for the sideward and upwardmovements can be applied, depending on the desired effect.

[0089]FIGS. 1 and 4 also show that the finishing beam 20 may consist oftwo parts, which are provided at the parts 23 and 24, respectively.

[0090] It is obvious that, in order to realize the third aspectdescribed in the introduction, the necessary sensors and such will beprovided at the different parts of the paving machine 1 in order toenable that the parameters to be registered or data which are necessaryfor determining the parameters to be registered, can be observed. Also,such parameters can be deduced from control operations. So, for example,frequency-controlled motors can be used for the vibration needles 18which mostly have excenters driven by means of motors, such that theoscillation frequency of the vibration needles 18 immediately can bederived from the control values of the frequency control.

[0091] In a similar manner, values can be collected and observed inorder to feed the computer system mentioned in the introduction.

[0092] The present invention is in no way limited to the forms ofembodiment described by way of example and represented in the figures,on the contrary may such paving machine, as well as the aforementionedmethod, be realized according to various variants while still remainingwithin the scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A paving machine for forming a concrete path comprising: atleast one oscillating finishing beam; a drive device arranged to movethe finishing beam in simultaneous upward and sideward oscillation. 2.The paving machine according to claim 1, wherein the drive devicecomprises at least two excenter mechanisms providing for thesimultaneous oscillation.
 3. The paving machine according to claim 1,wherein the oscillating finishing beam has overlapping portions.
 4. Thepaving machine according to claim 1, wherein the finishing beam issituated against a smoothing board.
 5. The paving machine for forming aconcrete path comprising a registration device configured to registerdata related to a formed concrete path.
 6. The paving machine accordingto claim 5, wherein the registration device registers one or moreparameter data selected from the following group: a width adjustment ofthe paving machine; a forward speed of the paving machine; a covereddistance of the paving path; an oscillation speed of vibrating needlesfor vibrating the concrete; a thickness of the concrete path; aninclination of a roof-shaped profile of poured concrete; and a consumedquantity of concrete.
 7. The paving machine according to claim 5,wherein at least two parameters are registered including a parameterrelated, directly or indirectly, to a speed of the paving machine duringa paving operation, and a parameter related, directly or indirectly, toa drive of a vibrating mechanism for vibrating concrete.
 8. A pavingmachine for forming a concrete path, said machine including a computersystem having a monitor upon which one or more data can be visualizedand selected from the following group: a width adjustment of the pavingmachine; data related to a shape of a set roof profile when a concretepath is produced having a roof-shaped profile; a forward speed of thepaving machine; a covered distance; an oscillation speed of an appliedvibration means; a thickness of the concrete path; and a visualizationof alarm functions.
 9. The paving machine according to claim 8, furthercomprising a dowel apparatus, said computer system arranged to providean indication as the dowel apparatus approaches the end of its travelcourse, and to monitor an adjustment distance of dowels belonging to thedowel apparatus.
 10. A method for forming a concrete path with a pavingmachine comprising the steps of: adjusting a mutual position ofcomposing parts of at least one processing device of the paving machine;treating a concrete surface with a finishing beam in simultaneous upwardand sideward oscillating movement. registering data obtained fromparameters of the paving machine and the paving path; and visualizingregistered data with a computer system while forming the paving path.